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Eucharist in the Time of Corona
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February 25, 2022I am originally from Colombia, South America. Every year, I return to my place of origin to visit my family. I usually fly from Houston to Bogotá. It is a whole day trip to get there. Usually, while I am waiting at the airport, I make a few phone calls to some of the people I am going to meet with once I arrive to Colombia. I also picture in my mind the things I would like to do while I am staying there. This is a way for me to start to move myself mentally and emotionally from here to there.Returning to my place of origin gives me the chance to reconnect with family and some of my friends from my youth. While I spend time alone at home, memories come to mind, some of them pleasant and beautiful; others, painful and challenging. Somehow, returning home brings back traces of my own journey in life that I have buried, ignored or forgotten.We are at the threshold of the Season of Lent. A season that opens its doors with the words of the prophet Joel:Even now, says the LORD,return to me with your whole heart,with fasting, and weeping, and mourning;Rend your hearts, not your garments,and return to the LORD, your God.This is the time to return Home, to reconnect with ourselves, others, creation and God. Especially at this time, when we might have been away from many due to the pandemic. It is time to go back to people and places that are meaningful in our lives to celebrate life, to reconcile, and to restore our journey. During this season, we are also invited to let the celebration of the Eucharist give us an opportunity to be home with one another with the joyful proclamation that our Lord "is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment."